Veronica Johnson Biography: Breaking Barriers as First Black Woman Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV
Veronica Johnson is an Emmy award-winning meteorologist currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV, 7News in Washington, D.C.
She joined the station in June 2016 and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in December 2022, making her the first woman and Black woman to hold this position in the station’s 75-year history.
Early Life and Career:
Johnson’s interest in weather sparked at the young age of 12. This passion continued to grow during her Air Force ROTC training in high school.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in atmospheric sciences at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she also gained experience working at the National Climatic Data Center.
Her broadcasting career began at The Weather Channel, a significant starting point for many meteorologists.
She then went on to work at various stations, including WBFF (Fox Channel 45) in Baltimore, WABC-TV in New York, and WMAR in Baltimore. She joined News4 in 2000.
Breaking Barriers and Achievements:
Johnson’s journey to becoming Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV was the culmination of nearly three decades of dedication and expertise.
She joined WJLA-TV in 2016. While she had previously sought top meteorologist positions at other networks, being passed over twice in 2010 and 2018, her persistence and talent ultimately led to her historic appointment at WJLA-TV.
Beyond her role as Chief Meteorologist, Veronica Johnson has an impressive list of achievements and recognitions:
- Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS): She was named a Fellow of the AMS in 2011, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to the atmospheric sciences.
- Silver Circle Inductee: In 2021, she was inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Capital Emmys, acknowledging her long-standing and impactful contributions to meteorology.
- Emmy Award Winner: Johnson is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist, a testament to her exceptional work in the field.
- Outreach and STEM Advocacy: She is actively involved in outreach events, inspiring K-12 students to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- AMS Board of Enterprise Communication: She has served as the Chair of the AMS Board of Enterprise Communication, showcasing her leadership within the meteorological community.
A Commitment to Accuracy and Community
Throughout her career, Johnson has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing accurate and timely weather forecasts.
She is known for her ability to explain complex weather phenomena in a clear and understandable manner.
Additionally, Johnson is actively involved in community outreach programs, using her platform to raise awareness about weather safety and environmental issues
Beyond Weather Forecasting:
- Public Speaking: Johnson is a skilled public speaker and has been involved in various community events and initiatives.
- STEM Advocate: She is passionate about promoting STEM education and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Key Points about Veronica Johnson:
- Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV: Johnson holds the prestigious position of Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV, where she leads the station’s weather forecasting team.
- First Woman and Black Woman: She is the first woman and Black woman to hold this position in WJLA-TV’s 75-year history, making her a trailblazer in the industry.
- Emmy-Award Winner: Johnson has been recognized for her exceptional work with an Emmy Award, solidifying her reputation as a top meteorologist.
- Extensive Experience: With over two decades of experience in weather forecasting, Johnson has a deep understanding of atmospheric science and weather patterns.
- Community Involvement: She is actively involved in the community, participating in outreach events and promoting STEM education.
Age
Veronica Johnson is an American by nationality and belongs to the African-American ethnicity. While her exact age isn’t publicly confirmed, she is estimated to be in her late 40s or early 50s.
Husband
Veronica Johnson is married to Dwight Weems, a musician affiliated with the band Gazze, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012.
While she keeps much of her family life private, she has shared glimpses of her close-knit household through interviews and social media.
She and Dwight have three children, and Johnson has spoken candidly about balancing motherhood with her demanding broadcast career.
In fact, during her pregnancy in 1999, she discussed how she adapted her on-air wardrobe to accommodate her growing baby bump—an early example of her professionalism and relatability.
Height
Veronica Johnson, the chief meteorologist at WJLA-TV, stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs around 130 pounds (60 kg).
Her body measurements are approximately 37-28-39 inches for her bust, waist, and hips, respectively.
Career and Background
Veronica Johnson has been a significant presence at WJLA-TV, 7News in Washington, D.C., since she joined the station in June 2016.
Initially, she served as the Morning Lead Meteorologist, where she provided weather forecasts and updates for the morning news segments.
In December 2022, Johnson was promoted to Chief Meteorologist, making history as the first woman and Black woman to hold this position at the station.
In her role, she leads the weather team and provides forecasts for the evening news alongside anchors Scott Thuman, Michelle Marsh, and Scott Abraham.
Johnson’s work at WJLA-TV extends beyond just weather forecasting. She is actively involved in community outreach, particularly in promoting STEM careers to K-12 students.
1. The Weather Channel (Early Career)
Veronica Johnson began her broadcast meteorology career at The Weather Channel, where she developed her on-camera presence and scientific communication skills.
This national platform gave her early exposure to a wide audience and helped her build credibility in the field. Her time here laid the foundation for her future roles in major markets.
2. WBFF-TV (Fox 45), Baltimore
In 1991, Johnson made history as the first meteorologist hired by Sinclair Broadcast Group when they launched their first newscast at WBFF-TV.
Her role was pivotal in shaping the station’s weather coverage. She quickly became a trusted voice in Baltimore, known for her engaging delivery and scientific accuracy.
3. WABC-TV, New York City
Johnson then moved to WABC-TV, one of the most prestigious stations in the country.
Working in the New York market elevated her profile and tested her skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Her ability to connect with viewers and deliver complex forecasts with clarity made her a standout in the nation’s largest media market.
4. WMAR-TV, Baltimore
Returning to Baltimore, she joined WMAR-TV, where she continued to build her reputation as a reliable and relatable meteorologist.
Her tenure here was marked by a deepening commitment to community outreach and science education.
She left WMAR in 1999, reportedly due to a significant pay cut that she declined to accept.
5. WRC-TV (NBC4), Washington, D.C.
In 2000, Johnson joined NBC4 in Washington, D.C., where she spent over 16 years.
She became a household name in the region, appearing on News4 and contributing to 103.5 WTOP Radio.
She also hosted America This Week, a weekly news program.
Despite her seniority and expertise, she was passed over for the chief meteorologist role in 2016, prompting her eventual move to WJLA.
6. WJLA-TV (ABC7), Washington, D.C.
Johnson joined WJLA-TV in 2016 as the morning lead meteorologist.
Her leadership and experience quickly made an impact, and in December 2022, she was promoted to Chief Meteorologist — becoming the first woman and first Black woman to hold that title in the station’s 75-year history.
She now leads the evening weather team and continues to champion science communication and diversity in STEM.
Veronica Johnson has covered several significant weather events during her career. Here are a few notable forecasts:
- Hurricane Florence (2018): Veronica provided extensive coverage and updates on Hurricane Florence, which caused severe flooding and damage along the East Coast. Her detailed forecasts helped viewers prepare for the storm’s impact.
- Winter Storm Jonas (2016): Also known as “Snowzilla,” this storm brought record snowfall to the Washington, D.C. area. Veronica’s accurate predictions and continuous updates were crucial for residents dealing with the extreme weather conditions.
- Tornado Outbreaks: Veronica has also covered multiple tornado outbreaks, providing timely warnings and safety information to help protect the community.
- Heatwaves and Extreme Weather: She frequently reports on heatwaves and other extreme weather events, offering advice on how to stay safe and cool during high temperatures.
Her ability to communicate complex weather information clearly and effectively has made her a trusted source for weather updates in the Washington, D.C. area.
Net Worth and Salary
Veronica Johnson, the Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV in Washington D.C., has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million.
Her salary as Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV, 7News, is likely to be in the range of $150,000 to $350,000 annually, though these figures may vary.
What Happened to Veronica Johnson?
Veronica Johnson is a prominent American meteorologist currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.
She has had a distinguished career in meteorology, starting at The Weather Channel and moving through various stations including WBFF-TV in Baltimore, WABC-TV in New York, and WMAR-TV in Baltimore.
In 2016, she joined WJLA-TV and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in December 2022, making her the first woman and Black woman to hold this position at the station.
Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her contributions to meteorology, including being named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society in 2011.
Is Veronica Johnson Married?
Yes, Veronica Johnson is married to Dwight Weems. They have three children and live in Howard County, Maryland.
Does Veronica Johnson Have Children?
Yes, Veronica Johnson has three children. She has spoken publicly about her experiences balancing her career and motherhood, including adapting her on-air wardrobe during her pregnancies.
How Old Is Veronica Johnson?
Veronica Johnson’s exact age isn’t publicly disclosed, but she is estimated to be around 53 years old.
Where Is Veronica Johnson or Is She Still Working at WJLA-TV, 7News?
Yes, Veronica Johnson is still working at WJLA-TV, 7News. She was promoted to Chief Meteorologist for the station’s First Alert Weather Team in December 2022. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Washington D.C. area, providing weather forecasts and updates.
You can follow Veronica Johnson on her social media accounts:
She often shares weather updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights on these platforms.
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